Judith "Judy" Ann Catlin

November 22, 1943 - April 12, 2018

Judith Ann Catlin, 74, of Kiowa, Kansas, died Thursday, April 12, 2018 at Kiowa, KS. Judy was born at Achenbach Hospital in Hardtner, Kansas on November 22, 1943, the 2nd oldest daughter of Firman Elwin Reed and Thelma Nadine (Hadsall) Reed. She attended school in Kiowa, Kansas, graduating with the South Barber Chieftains Class of 1961. During her youth, Judy was very active in the First Christian Church, participating in youth activities and choir. She was baptized in her grade school years and was a lifetime member of the First Christian Church, where most recently she played piano for weekly church services and enjoyed singing. Throughout grade school and junior high she was active in Choir and especially enjoyed playing the piano. In high school Judy participated in Orchestra, A Capella, Madrigal, Pep Club, Y-Teens, Class Play and served as a Class Officer, Pep Club Officer and Y-Teens Officer. She was a member of the National Honor Society. Judy was a kind and well liked classmate and was nominated for Homecoming Queen her Junior year of high school. She was honored with the title of Miss Kiowa in 1960. On November 26, 1961 she married her high school sweetheart, Leonard Melvin “Wimpy” Catlin in Kiowa, Kansas. He preceded her in death on July 5, 2015. In 1963, to this marriage union, their first child, Timothy Blake was born in Russell, Ks. He preceded her in death on March 8, 2018. In 1965, Kimberly Anne was born in Hutchinson, Ks. Judy and Leonard spent the first years of their married life in Russell, Kansas and then Hutchinson, Kansas where Judy worked as secretary for a real estate company. They then returned to the Kiowa/Hazelton area in 1973 and Judy began employment with The Kiowa News. In 1982 Judy and Leonard moved to Medicine Lodge where she began nursing school at Pratt Community College. She graduated with the college's first Nursing class, obtaining her Associate's Degree in Nursing, in May 1984. In 1988, Judy and Leonard made their home in Enid, Oklahoma, where Judy began management of the Acute and Outpatient Dialysis Unit, maintaining this position for 26 years, working for both Fresenius and Vivra Dialysis. She was a dedicated patient advocate and developed professional but strong relationships with her patients. She became close friends with Dr. Tarek Naguib, Nephrologist. She and Dr. Naguib had a smooth and well coordinated working relationship, both advocating for patients and ensuring holistic care. They remained close friends to her death. In 2013, with Leonard's health decline they returned to Kiowa. In 2014 Judy began working for Kiowa District Manor and was the MDS Coordinator. She retired in January 2018. In her younger years she was a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader and was instrumental in developing and working in The First Christian Church Bus Ministry. She enjoyed singing and playing the piano, cooking large family breakfasts, camping, fishing, gardening, had a love for all animals, and enjoyed making handcrafted trunks with Leonard then traveling to craft shows to market them. She was very involved in her grandchildren's lives and they relied on her for sound advice and teaching. The great grandkids enjoyed going to GG's house where activities would include baking, making clay handprints, bible stories, and the like. She always made time for the grandchildren and their school activities. She was a selfless individual with a true Servant's Heart. In August 2017, their son Tim was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Brain Cancer. One month later in September 2017 Judy was also diagnosed with a Glial Cell Tumor, Astrocytoma Brain Cancer. They both underwent brain surgery, rehab, chemo and radiation, with Tim finishing his treatments just 2 weeks prior to Judy. She traveled to see him as often as physically possible. She got immense enjoyment from their FaceTime conversations. During her time of cancer treatment she resided at Kiowa District Manor working toward being able to return home. While at the Manor, she enjoyed new friendships and shared her faith by reading her daily devotional with breakfast tablemates. Bible discussion would follow. In mid-February 2018 she became ill from other causes. While in the hospital, she was informed her cancer was in remission. She then spent the last 3 weeks of her life at Kiowa District Hospital and received exceptional and compassionate care. Judy will be honored posthumously by fellow RN's: Sister, Melinda Ryan, and Granddaughter, Lindsay Rhymer, with The Florence Nightingale Tribute for her years of dedicated and selfless service in the Nursing profession. Judy believed that Nursing was her ministry. Those remaining to cherish her memory are one daughter, Kimberly (Carl) Balding of Medicine Lodge, KS;Nine grandchildren: Lindsay(Tim)Rhymer, Shannon (Matt) Thimesch, Mandi (Clay) Hattey, Sophia Catlin, Boston Catlin, Lisa (Chris) Mace, Lori (Mike) Spears, & a special granddaughter, Jennifer Thimesch; Eleven great-grandchildren, Isabella Thimesch, Myles Thimesch, Finn Rhymer, Sullivan Rhymer, Mollie June Rhymer, Braxton Mace, Haylee Spears, Emma Spears, Alaina Spears, & Remington Hattey (unborn child of Mandi & Clay); four sisters, Carol Irons of Fairfax, OK, Becky Anderson of Dallas, TX, Melinda Ryan of Tulsa, OK, & Melissa Melton of Tulsa, OK; a special sister-in-law, Carolyn Catlin Robertson of Lakin, Ks; lifelong best friend, Linda Lee Vossberg of Wichita, KS. Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Firman and Nadine; her husband, Leonard; and son, Timothy Blake; and her inlaws, Melvin and Ruby. Throughout her illness Judy relied on this Bible verse: Isaiah 41:10 (NIV): "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand". Visitation will be on Monday, April, 16, 2018 from 2-6 PM aat Larrison Funeral Home, 120 E Lincoln, Medicine Lodge, Kansas. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at 11:00 AM at the First Christian Church, Kiowa, Kansas with Pastor Tom Walters and Pastor Dennis Hatlestad officiating. Burial will follow in Attica Cemetery, Attica, Kansas. Memorials may be made to the Kiowa Public Library for the purchase of children's books, or Quarters For Canines in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.larrisonmortuary.com